Paracetamol

Question 1

What type of drug is paracetamol

Answer 1

Analgesic

Question 2

Paracetamol Presentation

Answer 2

Oral: infant (120mg in 5ml) 3months-5yrs
6+ = 250mg in 5ml)

Tablets: 500mg

IV: bottle containing paracetamol 1g in 100ml for adults, adolescents and children weighing more than 33kg

bottle containing paracetamol 500mg in 50ml for newborns, infants, toddlers and children weighing less than 33kg

Question 3

Paracetamol Indications

Answer 3

Oral: mild to moderate pain or high temp
IV: moderate to severe pain, alternative to morphine when it is contraindicated

Question 4

Paracetamol actions

Answer 4

Analgesic and antipyretic

Question 5

Paracetamol contraindications

Answer 5

known allergy
do not give paracetamol if a paracetamol containing drug has already been taken in the last 4 hrs

Question 6

Paracetamol Cautions

Answer 6

check when paracetamol was last administered

Question 7

Paracetamol 6+ suspension dosage for 16+

Answer 7

Initial dose: 500mg-1g
repeat dose: 500mg-1g
dose interval - 4-6 hrs
concentration: 250mg in 5ml
volume: 10-20 ml
Max dose: 2-4g in 24 hours

Question 8

Paracetamol 6+ suspension for 8-9 year olds

Answer 8

initial dose: 375mg
repeat dose: 375mg
dose interval: 4-6 hrs
concentration: 250mg in 5ml
volume: 7.5ml
max dose: 1.5g in 24hrs